Following the conclusion of WestJet’s London-Gatwick flight for the 2024 season, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is providing an update on the route, as well as the province’s efforts towards improving air access for non-resident visitors and intraprovincial travel.
Announced in November 2023, WestJet’s direct flight from St. John’s to London’s Gatwick Airport has been an incredible success. Preliminary estimates indicate that each flight operated at greater than 80 per cent capacity. Due to the success of the route, it is anticipated that no government support will be required in 2024.
Work to improve intraprovincial travel between the island and Labrador is a critical issue. The Provincial Government maintains more than 10,000 kilometres of paved road to connect all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and continues to subsidize provincial ferry services more than 90 per cent.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is focusing on intraprovincial air travel and continues to work with airport partners and local stakeholders to explore options for improvement. The Provincial Government is also engaged with other jurisdictional partners on how they deal with similar issues across Canada.
The Provincial Government continues our advocacy to the Federal Government regarding the burden of federal fees, charges and other taxes that place a strain on passengers, airlines and airports. By easing these financial pressures, we encourage greater competition, ultimately benefitting travellers with more affordable travel options.
In December 2022, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation launched Vision 2026, with air access as a top priority for tourism recovery.
Quotes
“The success of the London-Gatwick route, and all air travel, is incumbent on collaboration from all levels of government and stakeholders. Air access for non-residents and intraprovincial travel remain priorities for our government and we are making great strides toward improving access for residents and visitors. We appreciate our working relationship with WestJet and are pleased that the route’s inaugural year has been a tremendous success.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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Vision 2026
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